The Forest of Love
The transfer was to Basildon, outside London. Jacky was much worried. He began to sweat in spite of the extreme cold outside. Was Shylamma behind this transfer? The punishment for seeing the love play. He did not tell anyone about it. All the same she punished him. The other employees worked like blind men. So they had no problem. She aimed at him only. For her crime Jacky who had offended no one was given the punishment. If she got happiness through this action, she might enjoy. Jacky had only sympathy towards Shylamma, her husband and children. There are many women who fall into the trap of men’s praise and persuasion. Such people can never enjoy a family life properly.
Jacky was thoughtful. He had to pay back the bank loan. As long as that burden remained on his shoulders, he couldn’t throw away the job that he had. Jacky looked at his wrist watch.
Danichayan might be at home at this time of the day. He wouldn’t be able to do anything in this matter. Even though their company is the same he works in another branch. There is nothing wrong in telling him all that had happened. After all, it was he who got Jacky this job. It was not right to trouble him any more for a job. Jacky had made a number of acquaintances already. It was better to try for another job. Moreover, he was bored with this safety and security work. He decided to speak to Daniel in detail.
Jacky’s subject was civil engineering. He had told that fact to Sister Carmel many a time. Let her return after her journeys. Then he would present the matter once more before her. What she told him last was that a look into the new world is good and beneficial. How could he find out his actual destination? Her words had strengthened him. “Don’t look back. Go forward. Nobody can live without suffering some hardship and making sacrifices. You should have firm faith in God”. One should rise up to her words.
Jacky changed his dress and entered the kitchen to prepare tea. Since his arrival there was no cut in electricity or water supply. The cooking gas that is supplied to every house through pipes also arrives promptly. Jacky understood the real meaning of the expressions freedom and right of the citizen only after reaching this country. Demonstrators and protesters are few. Everything is approached quietly and peacefully. Just as trains and buses come and go, the police and ambulances do regular service. They reach homes within minutes, according to requirements. People who come from countries like India watch this with wonder. As truth and justice are honoured, criminals are punished properly.
As he was drinking his tea, Jacky called Daniel Sir and explained everything to him. He could not believe that a Malayali woman would do such wicked things. He told Jacky. “Don’t worry. I will talk with your manager and arrange work at some other job centre nearby.
Jacky said. “I have discussed the matter of the job with Sister Carmel. When she comes back, we can take a decision.” Daniel consented. Jacky felt dejected. Still he was not willing to go back on his own decision. When you are doubtful, the light fades. The light of confidence should push us forward every moment. Sister Carmel and Danichayan were the two friends he had. They would help him.
Jacky lay straight on his bed for some time. As there was no T.V in the room he spent most of his time learning and reading. He had a computer. So he could learn many matters happening around him in the world.
There were Malayalam novels in the East Ham library. That was a real blessing. He took up the English novel ‘Malabar Flame’ written by a Malayali. He thought that he should ask Sharon to buy that novel on line. Her face shone up in his mind. On the day of his departure from India he had met her. He was returning from the milk society. Then Sharon appeared before him on the road. He remembered that last meeting.
Her pet dog Kittu was with her. He accompanied her wherever she went – in the field and on the road. Sharon had been learning karate. That is an art that all women should learn. Even now there is no slackening in his affection for Sharon. They were childhood friends who played, learned and grew up together. Other people might think that they are lovers. But they had never thought on that line. They completed graduation from Bishop Moore College, Mavelikara together.
Jacky flew to London for higher studies. Sharon had decided to follow her father’s vocation. Her wish was to study for L.L.B after taking M.A in English literature so that she could be more fluent in the English language. This year too London is in the forefront of university world ranking. Six of her universities have found place in the rank list. The Harvard University in America has got the first place. These were all new pieces of information for him.
As Sharon had a computer she knew everything and passed the information on to Jacky. They used to walk side by side talking, laughing and sharing jokes when they went to the college together. The local people might have thought that Jacky and Sharon were a loving couple.
Anyway, Sharon was disturbed when he told her that he was leaving for England soon. But she did not disclose it. He had helped her in her studies and had given her new novels from the library to read. He was also reluctant to leave Sharon. That feeling placed him in a difficult situation.
But, there is love in the mind of every human being. Man’s dreams, hopes and disappointments do not always travel in the direction in which he wants them to go. Everything is basic and necessary; but light and shade intertwine in human life. Is love a prison life? It is not easy to break the bars of the prison. He had treated Sharon with innocent love. She was so youthful and sweet that any fellow would fall in love with her. Other people might think that they were lovers. But Jacky had never loved her in a carnal manner, but loved sincerely as a friend. He wanted to keep up that love, closeness and fellow feeling ever. He had seen her only in a happy mood except once. On that day she hit a classmate on his face.
It was the time when the sons of rich parents loitered in the campus enjoying narcotics, drugs and liquor. Pornographic films were their favourites. One day one of them invited Sharon to see the movie with him. This invitation was followed by erotic and lustful comments. Before he finished talking, Rajesh received a blow and kick together. Son of the M.L.A. soon lay flat on the College road. His friends rushed forward for vengeance. But seeing, Jacky and his friends waiting for them with equal hostility, they moved back.
The M.L.A’s son has no special status or privilege in the college. I come to the college to study and not to fall in love or see love cinemas. Don’t think that anyone can shine here after talking indecently to me. That is true about the son of whatever eminent person. Don’t think that you can insult women anymore by showing off your muscles. You will count the prison bars. This is Kottaram Koshy’s daughter, speaking. Don’t forget. Do you want to call the police? Call them. After all they are under the ruling party to which you belong” Sharon shouted.
Rajesh looked around fearfully. He used to raise his head like the hood of a venomous snake whenever insulted. But at this time he stood there with bent head along with his friends.
The students of the college understood that Sharon was a courageous girl with a firm will. Her mind was as strong as her body was beautiful. They appreciated her strong stand. All her actions were like this. She came to the college and returned from there filling her car with her friends. If she found any old man or woman on the way, she would give them a lift to their respective homes. Sharon enjoyed such actions. Girls with so much sympathy and kindness are very rare. The world really needs more of such people.
(Cont’d)
